WASHINGTON – Today two more United States Senators publicly endorsed marriage rights for same-sex couples, following a groundswell of support in recent weeks.  With announcements from Joe Donnelly (D-IN) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) today, the total number of U.S. Senators backing marriage equality has reached 53, including 49 Democrats, 2 Independents and 2 Republicans.  Following the Senators’ announcements today, Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin released the following statement:

“The bipartisan tidal wave of support for marriage equality will only continue to swell as time progresses.  Our leaders in Washington are finally catching up to the American people, who believe that committed and loving gay and lesbian couples deserve the right to marry.  We thank Senators Donnelly and Heitkamp for planting themselves firmly on the right side of history today.”

Yesterday U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) publicly endorsed marriage for same-sex couples.  With his announcement, a majority in the Senate support marriage equality. HRC tracks the positions of Members of Congress on marriage and other issues pertinent to LGBT equality as part of its Congressional Scorecard. 

“Today, young LGBT people in these Senators’ states and across the country are hearing a powerful message of acceptance and support from their representatives in Washington,” continued Griffin.  “We look forward to continuing this conversation with the remaining 47 Senators and the American people.”

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

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